Upper Burro Creek Wilderness

Topography

Upper Burro Creek is one of the few perennial streams to flow undammed into Arizona's lower desert. 13 mi of the upper portion of Burro Creek flow through the Upper Burro Creek Wilderness, which is divided into eastern and western sections by a dirt road. These 13 mi of Burro Creek have cut a deep channel through incised bedrock, falling about 1500 ft in one half-mile stretch. Away from the creek the wilderness preserves rough side canyons, and steep basalt mesas topped with desert grassland. Negro Ed Butte is a dominant feature in the area.

Wildlife

Upper Burro Creek Wilderness is home to at least 150 species of birds, including a great variety of raptors. Among the mammals who inhabit the area are beaver, raccoon, desert cottontail, ring-tailed cat, badger, several species of skunk (spotted, striped, and hognosed), gray fox, javelina, bobcat, mountain lion, mule deer, and pronghorn.

Recreation

Common recreational activities in Upper Burro Creek Wilderness include hiking, backpacking, camping, hunting, rock collecting, horseback riding, swimming, birdwatching, and photography. There are several access routes, for example via Six Mile Crossing on the Burro Creek, itself a diverse wildlife area.

References

References

1. [http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wildareas/upburro.html Upper Burro Creek Wilderness Area] – Bureau of Land Management
2. [http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=wildView&wname=Upper%20Burro%20Creek%20Wilderness Upper Burro Creek Wilderness] – Wilderness.net
3. "Upper Burro Creek Wilderness".
4. (2003). "Arizona Highways". Arizona Highway Department.